'Oxi' Voters Celebrate Defeat Of Greek Austerity Referendum [PHOTOS]

The Greek referendum on accepting new austerity measures in exchange for a bailout from the rest of Europe was supposed to be close. Prognosticators had anticipated razor-thin margins, perhaps too close to even be decided.

But instead, Greeks appeared set to roundly reject the new austerity provisions, a move that others in Europe have warned could imperil the future of Greece in the European Union and part of the euro monetary system. But based on exit polls and preliminary counts, Greek officials quickly forecasted a clear victory for the opponents.

For days opponents of the referendum rallied in favor of "oxi" or "no." They rallied across the nation, carrying the Greek flag. They proved to be too strong a force for the supporters of the referendum to overcome.

Anti-austerity backers began to gather for celebrations even before the counting of ballots was complete. In Athens, large crowds began to form in Syntagma Square, the central square of the city. Thousands of opposition protesters had marched through the square before the vote was taken.

There were lots of attempts to understand why the vote happened and what it could mean for other European nations.

There was an outpouring of support from other corners of Europe. Many on the left cheered the result, calling it a victory not for Greece but all of Europe.