03 December 2025
Bilbao Campus San Sebastian Campus
Next Wednesday, 3 December, the University of Deusto will celebrate the International Day of the Basque Language on its Bilbao and San Sebastian campuses, with a programme of activities designed to energise and share Basque within the university community and beyond. Under the motto “Euskara, bihotzetik ahora”, the day aims to bring the language from the heart to the mouth and open it to the world.
At Deusto, Basque is not only a language: it is a living thread that connects identity, culture and community. It is born as a deep and rooted feeling, grows in homes, streets and friendships, and finds its true form when it is expressed: in a proverb, a verse, a dialogue or a podcast. The more it is used, shared and heard, the more alive it remains.
The date coincides with the feast of Saint Francis Xavier, the Navarrese saint and patron of the Basque language, whose mother tongue was indeed Basque. His example reminds us that what is born in the heart has the strength to expand: like him, Basque is a treasure to be cared for, but also opened generously to everyone.
For this reason, the entire university community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and friends—is invited to take part in the activities scheduled for 3 December. The programme includes several ways to enjoy the language throughout the day:
– Proverb competition
• In Bilbao, from 09:00 to 17:00, in the cloisters.
• In San Sebastian, throughout the week, in the cafeteria.
– Institutional event and "bertsos" session
• In Bilbao, at 11:00, with Andoni Egaña and Ane Labaka in the Paraninfo cloister.
• In San Sebastian, at 11:40, with Julen Olaizola and Emaitz Murua in the courtyard. In case of rain, it will be in the coffee shop.
– Advent prayer for peace and for Saint Francis Xavier
• In San Sebastian, 11:00, in the chapel of the Antxieta Building.
• In Bilbao, 11:30, in the Gothic Chapel (Main Building).
– Live podcast
• In Bilbao, from 12:30 to 13:00 in the Garate Room (Main Building).
• In San Sebastian, from 12:30 to 13:00 in the Tokiski Room (Garate Building).
In this way, the day will allow Basque to move from the heart to the lips, to be shared and enjoyed, celebrating a living language that unites, connects and can open itself to the world with strength, joy and authenticity.
