What is a bean feast?

A bean feast is a term that refers to a feast or celebration where beans are the primary dish. In the UK, it is often associated with a tradition of shared meals where people would gather and enjoy a meal that was centered around beans.

Bean feasts originated in the 19th century when more affordable food options were becoming available to the working class. Beans were a popular choice as they were relatively cheap and could be easily cooked in large quantities.

The term "bean feast" has also been used in literature and popular culture, such as in Charles Dickens' book "The Pickwick Papers". In this context, a bean feast was used to describe a celebration or feast where people indulged in an abundance of food and drink.

Today, bean feasts are still observed in some parts of the UK as a way to celebrate community and togetherness. They may also be organized as fundraising events for charities or as part of cultural celebrations.