SOCHI, Russia — The closing ceremony was intended to celebrate the new face of Russia.

And after a month of intense scrutiny over human rights violations, stray dogs, unfinished hotels and terrorism threats, that face looked largely relieved Sunday and perhaps a bit too exhausted to party.

“We did it,” Sochi 2014 CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko said at the ceremony. “We conquered the Olympic summit.”

The Sochi Games ended much like they began, with a colorful homage to Russia’s rich cultural history. Just as it had two weeks ago, the ceremony featured spectacular dancing, tributes to great writers and stirring classical music piped throughout Fisht Olympic Stadium.

This time, however, they nailed the unveiling of all five Olympic rings.

During the opening ceremony, a giant hydraulic snowflake failed to transform into one of five interlocking rings dangling above the stadium. The mishap made international news, as some jokingly suggested it could be an omen for President Vladimir Putin and the $51 billion Games.

Though most closing ceremonies take on a block-party atmosphere with athletes dancing and singing together, the Sochi athletes spent the majority of the event seated quietly in the stands.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach broke from tradition and did not bestow any superlative upon these Games as his predecessors have done.

Bach, who took over the IOC in September, purposefully avoided such praise and instead described the Sochi Olympics as “the athletes’ Games.”