norteña

Norteña, also spelled norteño, is a genre of Mexican regional music that originated in Northern Mexico and the border regions in the early 20th century. It fused European dance rhythms, notably polka and waltz, brought by immigrants, with Mexican folk and ranchera forms. The accordion and the bajo sexto, often accompanied by electric bass, drums, and percussion, are the core instruments. The conjunto format—an accordion plus bajo sexto and rhythm section—defines much of the sound.

Rhythms are typically duple-meter and rooted in polka, waltz, and mazurka patterns, yielding a steady, danceable feel. Song topics range from everyday life and love to migration, labor, and social issues; corridos are a common lyrical form within the repertoire.

Originating in cities and towns in states such as Nuevo León, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas, norteña gained broader popularity in the United States among Mexican-American communities, particularly in Texas, California, and the Midwest. The genre has evolved with fusion elements and modern production, giving rise to subgenres and related styles such as norteño-pop and corridos tumbados.

Notable artists and groups include Los Tigres del Norte, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Intocable, Calibre 50, and Ramón Ayala y Su Banda Limón as part of the conjunto tradition. These acts helped bring norteña to national and international audiences, preserving traditional sounds while embracing contemporary influences.