Almost every month of the year there is either a local festival or celebration in Laos.The word for festival in Lao is boun, which also means doing good things in order to gain merit for subsequent lives. If you are in Xieng Khouang while any of the festivals are taking place you will surely be welcomed and asked to join the fun. Please feel free to participate, however remember that most of the festivals are based on religious beliefs, so your hosts will appreciate it if you respect local codes of behavior.