In August, folk festivals in Almaty attract people from all over the south of the country during which national music, songs, dance, sports, national costumes and dishes can be experienced. Kazakhs are very hospitable. For example, Abkhan may be called Abeke, Nursultan can be called Nureke. This should be regarded as indicating a high level of respect for the visitor. At a Kazakh home the most honoured guest, usually the oldest, is traditionally offered a boiled sheep's head on a beautiful dish as a further sign of respect.
National customs forbid young people whose parents are still alive from cutting the sheep's head.
They must pass the dish to the other guests for cutting. Formal dress is often required when visiting the theatre, or attending a dinner party. Shorts should not be worn except on the sports ground. Tipping is not customary at restaurants and caf s, but is increasingly common in international hotels. A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills.