The Tokyo Summer Olympic Games came to a close today (August) after over 16 days of world-class sporting competition.
The closing ceremony had similar pomp and circumstance that was featured in the opening ceremony, and it also included the symbolic handover to Paris, which will be hosting the next Summer Olympic Games in 2024.
Scroll through the gallery below to see some of the best moments from the closing ceremony in Tokyo and the handover ceremony in Paris.
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Members of Team United States during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Members of Team United States during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Performers during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Dancers perform during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Dancers perform during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Entertainers perform during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Tomotaka Okamoto performs during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Gold medalist Peres Jepchirchir of Team Kenya poses during the medal ceremony for the Women's Marathon Final during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Entertainers during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Dancers perform during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Members of Team Australia during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: A view as the flag bearers of the competing nations enter the stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Members of the Takarazuka Revue are seen during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: 'ARIGATO' is on display during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: The olympic flame is extinguished during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Fireworks erupt above the stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: (L) Flagbearer Kara Winger of Team United States poses with teammates during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Fireworks erupt above the stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Fireworks erupt above the stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo receives the olympic flag from President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: The olympic flame is extinguished during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach speaks during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo receives the olympic flag from President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Members of Team United States
during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge of Team Kenya poses during the medal ceremony for the Men's Marathon Final during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Fireworks erupt above the stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Flagbearer Kara Winger of Team United States during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: The Athletes of the competing nations enter the stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Members of Team Great Britain during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Flagbearer Kara Winger of Team United States during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: A view as the flag bearers of the competing nations enter the stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Fireworks are seen during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 08, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Fireworks are displayed over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on August 8, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Closing Ceremony - Olympics: Day 16
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Fireworks are displayed over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on August 8, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French Elite acrobatic team Patrouille de France flyes over the Eiffel Tower during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French Olympic medalist Teddy Riner walks through the crowd during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French Olympic medalist Sara Balzer walks through the crowd during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French Elite acrobatic team Patrouille de France flyes over the Trocadero during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French Olympic medalist Manon Brunet walks through the crowd during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: Jets from French air force Patrouille de France fly over the Eiffel Tower during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 8, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Siegfried Modola/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: Spectators attend the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 8, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Siegfried Modola/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: Spectators attend the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 8, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Siegfried Modola/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French artist Woodkid performs in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French artist Woodkid performs in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French Olympic medalist Kevin Mayer walks through the crowd during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Olympic Games Handover Ceremony In Paris
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 08: French Elite acrobatic team Patrouille de France flyes over the Eiffel Tower during the Olympic Games handover ceremony on August 08, 2021 in Paris, France. On August 8, during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, will officially receive the Olympic flag for the handover ceremony to mark Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympics (August 28-September 8). (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights
