The first edition of Euskera International Day was held at the initiative of Eusko Ikaskuntza. Under the name of Eskuararen Eguna, various localities in Lapurdi, Baja Navarra and Zuberoa carried out initiatives to promote language. The Basque communities outside the Basque Country also celebrated the day in several cities.

Almost half a century later, in 1995, the Basque Government and Euskaltzaindia institutionalized this day. In its origin is the death of Francisco Javier, who died in 1552 on this day, and reportedly made his last words in Basque.