Center for Culture & Arts
Behind the Masks: Stories, Traditions and Celebrations from Around the World
![Two masked Lucha Libre wrestlers wearing colorful, ornate masks with lightning bolts in the background. Text reads: Free, family-friendly event! Karshner Museum presents Behind the Masks: Stories, Traditions and Celebrations from Around the World. Witness the excitement and tradition of Lucha Libre, Mexico’s iconic masked wrestling!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758738735/puyallupk12waus/uesgchlvfonkgctl1ggt/BehindtheMasksStoriesTraditionsandCelebrationsfromAroundtheWorldOG.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758738735/puyallupk12waus/uesgchlvfonkgctl1ggt/BehindtheMasksStoriesTraditionsandCelebrationsfromAroundtheWorldOG.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758738735/puyallupk12waus/uesgchlvfonkgctl1ggt/BehindtheMasksStoriesTraditionsandCelebrationsfromAroundtheWorldOG.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758738735/puyallupk12waus/uesgchlvfonkgctl1ggt/BehindtheMasksStoriesTraditionsandCelebrationsfromAroundtheWorldOG.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1758738735/puyallupk12waus/uesgchlvfonkgctl1ggt/BehindtheMasksStoriesTraditionsandCelebrationsfromAroundtheWorldOG.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758738735/puyallupk12waus/uesgchlvfonkgctl1ggt/BehindtheMasksStoriesTraditionsandCelebrationsfromAroundtheWorldOG.png","width":1792}])
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m., discover the stories, traditions, and celebrations behind masks from around the world! Enjoy live performances, interactive activities, and exhibits for the whole family.
- Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts - 309 4th Street NE, Puyallup, WA, 98372
Event Schedule
Live-Action Lucha Libra Wrestling (5-6 p.m. Great Hall)
Watch Tacoma-based wrestling promotion Lucha Libre Volcánica bring high-flying moves, dramatic storytelling, and vibrant costumes to life in an unforgettable live demonstration.
Hands-On Activities (6-6:30 p.m. and 7:30-8 p.m., throughout the Museum)
- Join a scavenger hunt for masks hidden in museum exhibits.
- Create your own mask inspired by global traditions with Nancy Melendez Leon and Jose Orantes.
- Explore the new Waller Road Elementary Mask Exhibit.
- Enjoy Karshner Museum’s interactive scavenger hunts and activities.
- Listen to live read-alouds of mask-themed stories.
Cultural Performances (6:30-7:30 PM, Great Hall)
Experience vibrant dance and music from around the world:
- Peruvian Dance and Tradition
- Cambodian Kraca “Monkey” Dance
- Chinese Opera
- Okinawan Dragon Dance
As always, all Karshner Museum events are free to the public!
A huge thanks to our partner, The Friends of the Karshner Museum, for helping us host this event with our community!
![Karshner Museum Opens New Exhibit Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783715881/puyallupk12waus/gijeexxqpkd3dunvnvgi/American250Exhibit.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783715881/puyallupk12waus/gijeexxqpkd3dunvnvgi/American250Exhibit.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1783715881/puyallupk12waus/gijeexxqpkd3dunvnvgi/American250Exhibit.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1783715881/puyallupk12waus/gijeexxqpkd3dunvnvgi/American250Exhibit.png","width":1080}])