Happy International Day of the Basque Language!

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Today is the International Day of the Basque Language. Every year on December 3rd, Euskara is celebrated all around the world.

The date for this holiday was established in 1948 by Eusko Ikaskuntza, the Society for Basque Studies. They chose December 3rd because it’s the feast day of Saint Francis Xavier, co-patron saint of the Basque province of Nafarroa (along with San Fermín).

Born in Xabier, Nafarroa in the 16th century, Saint Francis Xavier was a companion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first Jesuits. He went on missions throughout Asia, and he is said to have converted the most people to Christianity since Saint Paul.

Saint Francis Xavier died on an island off the coast of mainland China, apparently speaking his last words in Euskara, his native language.

The Basque Government and Euskaltzaindia, the Academy of the Basque Language, officially institutionalized the International Day of the Basque Language in 1995.

In the past, Basque institutions and clubs around the world have celebrated the day with different events: concerts, lectures, singing and language workshops, meals, dance performances, film screenings.

If you’re like me and looking forward to seeing how people are celebrating this year, check Euskal Kultura this week for updates.

It’s a marvel that Euskara, the Basque language, has survived for thousands of years, and today we celebrate this accomplishment. And we hope for it to continue to flourish for years to come, with the help of programs like Euskaraldia and the will of the Basque people.

How We’re Celebrating

In honor of this day, Hella Basque is releasing our first ever Basque language product! Start your day off right with this sunny EGUN ON mug:

CONTINUE READING:

• Euskara Thriving in the Basque Country with Euskaraldia
• How Many People in the Basque Country Actually Speak Euskara?
• Best Holiday Gift Giving Ideas for Basque Americans