The Tokyo 2020 Olympics began Friday in a ceremony many considered subdued as athletes were greeted by an empty stadium after facing numerous setbacks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Fireworks rang out as citizens from across the world walked through the arena, which could have held roughly 68,000 fans. Organizers atop an octagon-shaped stage, meant to represent the country’s Mount Fuji, held a moment of silence for those who died from COVID-19 before music played over flag-waving athletes.