Fireworks are set off to end the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Fireworks are set off to end the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. / Getty Images

The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, hit with a one-year delay due to the pandemic, concluded Sunday with a closing ceremony celebration that was both joyful and contemplative.

Athletes, masked and some donning the medals they won, filled the floor of the mostly empty Olympic Stadium, where they were met with a light show and musical performances from groups like the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. The number of athletes present was smaller than usual, given the pandemic-related requirement that athletes return home shortly after their final competition.

At the end of the ceremony, the Olympic torch will go out and Tokyo will hand over its hosting duties to Paris, the next city to hold the Summer Olympics, in 2024.Because of the delay in mounting the Tokyo Games, it'll be just six months before we start the Beijing Winter Olympics in February of 2022.

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Flagbearers take part in the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Flagbearers take part in the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. / AFP via Getty Images

Athletes pose with their gold medals.

Athletes pose with their gold medals. / AFP via Getty Images

The Japanese flag is brought into the stadium.

The Japanese flag is brought into the stadium. / Picture Alliance via Getty Imges

Silver medalist Brigid Kosgei, left, of Team Kenya, gold medalist Peres Jepchirchir, center, of Team Kenya and bronze medalist Molly Seidel of Team United States pose during the medal ceremony for the Women's Marathon Final during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Silver medalist Brigid Kosgei, left, of Team Kenya, gold medalist Peres Jepchirchir, center, of Team Kenya and bronze medalist Molly Seidel of Team United States pose during the medal ceremony for the Women's Marathon Final during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. / Getty Images

A general view shows dancers and singer performing.

A general view shows dancers and singer performing. / AFP via Getty Images

Athletes carrying nations' flags walk past the Olympic flame as they enter the stadium during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Athletes carrying nations' flags walk past the Olympic flame as they enter the stadium during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. / AFP via Getty Images

Entertainers perform.

Entertainers perform. / Getty Images

A cyclist rides during a performance.

A cyclist rides during a performance. / AFP via Getty Images

Performers sing the Japanese national anthem as the Olympic flag and Japan's flag are raised.

Performers sing the Japanese national anthem as the Olympic flag and Japan's flag are raised. / AFP via Getty Images

Dancers perform during the closing ceremony.

Dancers perform during the closing ceremony. / AP

The Japan and Olympic flags fly as country flags are carried in during the closing ceremony.

The Japan and Olympic flags fly as country flags are carried in during the closing ceremony. / AP

Japanese dancer Aoi Yamada performs a solo piece.

Japanese dancer Aoi Yamada performs a solo piece. / AFP via Getty Images

The Japanese dancer Aoi Yamada performs.

The Japanese dancer Aoi Yamada performs. / AFP via Getty Images

A drummer performs Japan's Taiko drumming.

A drummer performs Japan's Taiko drumming. / AFP via Getty Images

Skateboarders perform during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Skateboarders perform during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. / Getty Images

Members of the Polish delegation take pictures.

Members of the Polish delegation take pictures. / AFP via Getty Images

Bystanders take images of fireworks lighting up the sky over the Olympic Stadium.

Bystanders take images of fireworks lighting up the sky over the Olympic Stadium. / AFP via Getty Images

The Olympic flag is folded during the closing ceremony.

The Olympic flag is folded during the closing ceremony. / AFP via Getty Images

The Olympic flame is extinguished during the closing ceremony.

The Olympic flame is extinguished during the closing ceremony. / AP

French aerial patrol 'Patrouille de France' fly over the fan village of The Trocadero set in front of The Eiffel Tower, in Paris on August 8, 2021 upon the transmission of the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

French aerial patrol 'Patrouille de France' fly over the fan village of The Trocadero set in front of The Eiffel Tower, in Paris on August 8, 2021 upon the transmission of the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. / AFP via Getty Images

Tags: 2021 Tokyo  2021 Tokyo Olympics  Tokyo Olympics