After Spain's Amparo Muñoz resigned the previous year, her successor was crowned by Miss Universe 1972, Kerry Anne Wells of Australia.

According to the New York Times, August 5, "while a worldwide television audience saw El Salvador’s sunny beaches before the “Miss Universe” finals July 19, off-camera heavily armed troops were called out to halt demonstrations by students protesting the Government's expenditure of $1-million on the contest."

Protests took place in Santa Ana and San Salvador, resulting in a student massacre with far-reaching consequences for the country.

Again, from the NY Times: "According to the military Government, which contended that the march was part of a “Communist plot”, one person was killed, five wounded, and 11 arrested.

The pageant authorities decided to send Wanlaya Thonawanik, her 3rd runner-up to compete instead.