Old North

The Old North, known in Mejico as El Viejo Norte, is a geographic and cultural macroregion, one of four in the Mejican Empire. It comprises the provinces of Upper and Lower San Fulgencio, Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Pecos, Durango, Coahuila, New León, and Tamaulipas. It is further divided into three sub-regions: the San Fulgencio Peninsula, New Vizcaya, and New León. The largest cities by metropolitan area are, in descending order, Monterrey, El Paso, Culiacán, San Juan de los Esteros, Saltillo, Chihuahua City, and Durango City.

The vast expanse of the Old North encompasses an array of geographical features, from arid deserts to soaring mountain ranges and fertile valleys. The Sonoran Desert stretches across much of Sonora and parts of the Fulgencines, showcasing a landscape of cacti, unique desert flora, and rock formations. The Sierra Madre Occidental passes through the western edge of the region, carving a path from central Mejico up to the New North, as part of the Western North American Cordillera, displaying rugged peaks, deep canyons, and harboring diverse wildlife. Amidst this arid terrain, the Northern Plateau, or Mesa del Norte, lies as a vast highland, offering essential agricultural lands. Rivers like the iconic Bravo River weave their way through the region, serving as a natural provincial boundary and providing crucial water resources for irrigation and agriculture. The climate varies widely, with scorching summers and mild winters in the deserts, and more temperate conditions in the mountains.

The Old North has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The region's history is deeply intertwined with the broader history of Mejico, reflecting the complex interactions between indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization, and the establishment of an independent nation. Before the arrival of European explorers and settlers, the Old North was home to various indigenous groups such as the Seri, Yaqui, Tarahumara, and Huichol, each with their distinct cultures, languages and traditions. Spanish colonization began in the early 16th century by way of Sinaloa, as explorers and conquistadors ventured into the region, seeking riches and territories for the Spanish Crown. The establishment of missions, settlements, and presidios brought profound changes to the Indigenous populations and their way of life.

Over the centuries, the Old North experienced periods of growth, exploration, and territorial disputes, with the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro helping connect it more thoroughly with the rest of the Viceroyalty, as well as serving as a springboard for the colonization and settlement of the New North, giving rise to daring expeditions in the 17th century that would conclude with the settlement of the regions of the Fulgencines and Tejas. With the formation of the Kingdom of Mejico, the Old North saw significant development in agriculture, mining, and trade. The region's vast natural resources, including fertile lands and mineral deposits, attracted settlers and entrepreneurs, contributing to economic growth and expansion.

During the 20th century, the Old North witnessed remarkable growth and transformation. The region's abundant natural resources, including rich mineral deposits and fertile agricultural land, spurred industrial development and economic prosperity. The establishment of modern infrastructure, such as railways and highways, facilitated trade and connectivity across the region. The region has deep historical importance, especially during this century, as it witnessed intense fighting during the Mejican Civil War, the Christiad, and the uprooting of criminal syndicates throughout the Absolutist Octennium. After the restoration of democracy, a sense of normalcy returned to the region, followed by political stability and political de-polarization, providing a conducive environment for business and investment, with the solar power and lithium industries becoming firmly entrenched in the region, with the Photovoltaic Park of Sonora being the largest of its kind in the world, and lithium reserves being found throughout the region.

The culture of the Old North is deeply influenced by the historical legacies of indigenous civilizations, the Spanish colonial period, and Mejican traditions. Renowned for its bold flavors, the region's cuisine features dishes like carne asada, cabrito, flour tortillas, and machaca, reflecting its ranching and agricultural heritage. The region's architecture blends indigenous, colonial, and modern styles, with well-preserved colonial buildings and churches juxtaposed with contemporary skyscrapers in major cities. Old Northern culture fosters a strong sense of community and pride, showcased through traditional folk dances like "Danza del Venado" and "Danza de los Matachines," which depict stories of indigenous heritage and religious devotion. Music is a vital aspect of regional identity, with Norteño, Banda, and Ranchera styles dominating, featuring instruments like the accordion, bajo sexto, requinto, and tololoche. The Mejican national sport, American harpast, largely developed in Old Northern haciendas in Chihuahua before its popularization in the central region of the country. Several notable artists, singers, writers, actors, and athletes have their origins in the Old North, playing a key role in the Mejican entertainment and sports industries.