Yes, the carnival is being held much earlier this year. In previous years it was held in March.
Why would anyone (unless you are an unabashed rube), want to do carnaval in PC??
In PC it's relatively organised and safe compared to other DR carnivals but I agree! After the first few years we dread the disruption in the run-up, during and after the event, because it's right on our doorstep. I'd still recommend it to visitors and newcomers though.