Fireworks explode Friday during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.

Fireworks explode Friday during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. / Getty Images

Fireworks soared above Tokyo's new Olympic Stadium Friday as the delayed Summer Games finally held its opening ceremony — an event that culminates in lighting the Olympic cauldron.

Athletes marched in front of thousands of empty seats as only a sparse crowd was admitted due to COVID-19 restrictions. Those attending included first lady Jill Biden, who chatted with French President Emmanuel Macron.

A standout moment came midway through the event when Tonga's Pita Taufatofua once again vied to steal the show by marching into the stadium bare-chested (and oiled).

This year's ceremony, titled "United by Emotion," also brought a poignant moment of silence as organizers encouraged people to remember loved ones who were lost to the pandemic.

Despite the cloud cast by the coronavirus — from the one-year postponement to a ban on spectators — athletes showed their excitement finally to be at the Olympics, bouncing and bounding across the stadium floor to open the Games.

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Performers dance during the opening ceremony Friday.

Performers dance during the opening ceremony Friday. / Getty Images

Tennis star Naomi Osaka lights the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic torch.

Tennis star Naomi Osaka lights the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic torch. / Getty Images

Tonga's flag bearers Malia Paseka (left) and Pita Taufatofua lead their delegation.

Tonga's flag bearers Malia Paseka (left) and Pita Taufatofua lead their delegation. / AFP via Getty Images

A performer at the opening ceremony. The Tokyo Games officially began Friday after a year's delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A performer at the opening ceremony. The Tokyo Games officially began Friday after a year's delay due to the coronavirus pandemic. / Tass via Getty Images

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony. / AP

Ireland's flag bearers Kellie Harrington and Brendan Irvine carry the Irish tricolor flag.

Ireland's flag bearers Kellie Harrington and Brendan Irvine carry the Irish tricolor flag. / Sportsfile via Getty Images

Supporters outside the Olympic Stadium take pictures of the fireworks lighting up the sky over Tokyo.

Supporters outside the Olympic Stadium take pictures of the fireworks lighting up the sky over Tokyo. / AFP via Getty Images

Performers take part in the opening ceremony.

Performers take part in the opening ceremony. / Reuters

Flag bearers Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi of Great Britain lead out their team during the open ceremony.

Flag bearers Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi of Great Britain lead out their team during the open ceremony. / PA Images via Getty Images

A view inside the Olympic Stadium with fireworks during the opening ceremony.

A view inside the Olympic Stadium with fireworks during the opening ceremony. / Getty Images

Flag bearers Laura Ludwig and Patrick Hausding of Germany lead their team out during the opening ceremony.

Flag bearers Laura Ludwig and Patrick Hausding of Germany lead their team out during the opening ceremony. / Getty Images

Performers take part in the opening ceremony.

Performers take part in the opening ceremony. / Getty Images

A security officer looks out over an empty stadium before the opening ceremony.

A security officer looks out over an empty stadium before the opening ceremony. / AP

A member of Egypt's team waves a flag during the opening ceremony.

A member of Egypt's team waves a flag during the opening ceremony. / Pool/Getty Images

The Japanese national flag comes onto the stage during the opening ceremony.

The Japanese national flag comes onto the stage during the opening ceremony. / Getty Images

More than 1,800 drones form the shape of a globe during the opening ceremony.

More than 1,800 drones form the shape of a globe during the opening ceremony. / AP

A police officer gestures toward a small group (not seen) protesting against the Tokyo Games on Friday.

A police officer gestures toward a small group (not seen) protesting against the Tokyo Games on Friday. / AFP via Getty Images

The Olympic cauldron is seen as the Japanese flag is raised during the national anthem.

The Olympic cauldron is seen as the Japanese flag is raised during the national anthem. / Getty Images

A performer acts during the opening ceremony.

A performer acts during the opening ceremony. / Getty Images

Members of Team USA take in the atmosphere of the Games during the opening ceremony.

Members of Team USA take in the atmosphere of the Games during the opening ceremony. / Getty Images

A traditional song gets a showcase during the opening ceremony.

A traditional song gets a showcase during the opening ceremony. / picture alliance via Getty Images

The Japanese national flag gets raised during the opening ceremony.

The Japanese national flag gets raised during the opening ceremony. / AFP via Getty Images

Performers at the opening ceremony.

Performers at the opening ceremony. / Tass via Getty Images

Flag bearers Anna Korakaki and Eleftherios Petrounias of Greece lead their teammates out during the opening ceremony.

Flag bearers Anna Korakaki and Eleftherios Petrounias of Greece lead their teammates out during the opening ceremony. / Getty Images

A view from outside the Olympic Stadium offers a fireworks showcase.

A view from outside the Olympic Stadium offers a fireworks showcase. / Getty Images